System and method for providing a single telephone number for use with a plurality of telephone handsets

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods providing integrated voice and data services utilizing wired cordless access with unlicensed/unregulated connectivity sources and wireless access with licensed/regulated connectivity sources. A single telephone directory number is assigned for use with both a mobile wireless telephone and for use with a cordless wired Internet Protocol (IP) telephone. The mobile wireless telephone operates via a conventional licensed spectrum wireless network, and the IP telephone operates over voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) over a broadband packet data network service. Incoming calls simultaneously ring the user&#39;s mobile wireless telephone and IP telephone. The user may be provided a personal voice mailbox that may be accessed from their mobile wireless telephone or from their IP telephone. The user may be provided a single services bill associated with use of both telephones.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/614,781, filed Nov. 9, 2009, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FORPROVIDING A SINGLE TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR USE WITH A PLURALITY OFTELEPHONE HANDSETS,” which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/614,751, filed Jul. 7, 2003, and issued as U.S. Pat. No.7,657,270 on Feb. 2, 2010, which claims priority from U.S. provisionalapplication No. 60/476,743 entitled “SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING INTEGRATEDVOICE AND DATA SERVICES UTILIZING WIRED CORDLESS ACCESS WITH UNLICENSEDSPECTRUM,” filed Jun. 6, 2003 and U.S. provisional application No.60/495,843 entitled “SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING INTEGRATED VOICE AND DATASERVICES UTILIZING WIRED CORDLESS ACCESS WITH UNLICENSED/UNREGULATEDSPECTRUM,” filed Jun. 23, 2003, the entireties of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to communications services via licensed/regulatedand unlicensed/unregulated connectivity sources. More particularly, thisinvention relates to utilization of a single telephone directory numberfor communication with a mobile wireless communication device overlicensed/regulated wireless connectivity source and with a cordlesswired communication device a over an unlicensed/unregulated wirelessconnectivity source.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The benefits of mobility have motivated a majority of the U.S.population to obtain cellular or other wireless mobile telephoneservices operated through licensed and regulated connectivity sources(licensed spectrum). One of the major reasons that a large portion ofthe population does not have wireless mobile telephone service is thatthey do not perceive a need for the service. In addition, wirelessmobile service is viewed as being an expensive and somewhat complicatedservice from the perspective of billing plans. On the other hand, a veryhigh percentage of households and businesses that do not have wirelessmobile telephone service do have cordless telephones. Such cordlesstelephones typically include a base station wired to a local telephoneservice provider and one or more cordless telephone handsets.Accordingly, a user of such a cordless telephone may walk through thehome or business utilizing the cordless telephone just as the user mightuse a mobile wireless telephone outside the home or business.

Telephone services users who do utilize mobile wireless telephones andwireline telephones typically have separate telephone directory numbersfor each telephone. Accordingly, such users receive separate telephoneservices bills for their mobile wireless services and for their wirelineservices. Inmost cases, users also have different features andfunctions, such as voicemail services, associated with each differenttelephone. With the continued growth of mobile wireless telephoneservices usage, many users have begun to treat mobile wirelesstelephones as their primary telephone, but in many areas the quality ofmobile wireless telephone service coverage is inadequate when usersenter certain geographical areas or when they enter buildings, includinghomes and public buildings.

Accordingly, there is a need for a system and method for integratingwireless and wireline voice services via a single telephone directorynumber for use with a mobile wireless telecommunications device over alicensedlregulated connectivity source and for use with a wirelinetelecommunications service over an unlicensed/unregulated connectivitysource. It is with respect to these and other considerations that thepresent invention has been made.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and method forproviding integrated voice and data services utilizing wired cordlessaccess with unlicensed/unregulated connectivity sources and wirelessaccess with licensedlregulated connectivity sources. According to oneaspect of the present invention, a consumer may be provided a singletelephone directory number for use with a mobile wireless telephone whenthey are outside of their home or business and for a wired or cordlesswired voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) telephone when they are intheir home or business. The VoIP telephone operates over voice ofInternet Protocole (VoIP) over a broadband packet data network service,such as is provided via DSL and cable-modem services, with a packet dataconnection to a wireless network. Incoming calls simultaneously ring theconsumer's mobile wireless telephone and VoIP telephone. The consumermay be provided a personal voice mailbox that may be accessed from theirmobile wireless telephone or from their VoIP telephone in their home orbusiness. The consumer may be provided a single services bill associatedwith the integrated wireless/wireline service.

According to another aspect of the invention, the single telephonedirectory number may be associated with multiple users per household orbusiness. Each user may have a personal wireless mobile telephone and apersonal telephone directory number. Each user's telephone directorynumber may be assigned to a dedicated VoIP derived line in their home orbusiness. Incoming calls to users will ring on the appropriate VoIPderived line with a called party identification or distinctive ring toallow respective users to distinguish to whom an incoming call isdirected. Internet Protocol phones according to the present inventionmay receive and place telephone calls on every VoIP derived line intheir home or business.

According to another aspect of the invention, a calling party places acall to a called party, and the telephone call is received at a PSTNcentral office switch which sends a query message to an intelligentnetwork component. The intelligent network component instructs thecentral office switch to route the call to a services node. The servicesnode places a first outgoing call to the subscriber's cordless VoIPtelephone handset. The services node places a second outgoing call tothe subscriber's mobile wireless telephone. If the called party's VoIPtelephone answers first, the services node connects the calling party tothe VoIP telephone via the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the calledparty. The services node then drops the second outgoing call andtransfers the first call to the central office switch for continuedconnection between the calling party and the called party via the calledparty's VoIP telephone. On the other hand, if the called party's mobilewireless telephone answers first, the services node connects the callingparty to the called party's mobile wireless telephone via a wirelesstelecommunications network. The services node then drops the firstoutgoing call and transfers the second call to the central office switchfor continued communication between the calling party and the calledparty via the called party's mobile wireless telephone. If neither ofthe telephones is answered, the services node drops both calls.

These and other features and advantages, which characterize the presentinvention, will be apparent from a reading of the following detaileddescription and a review of the associated drawings. It is to beunderstood that both the foregoing general description and the followingdetailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are notrestrictive of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram illustrating interaction between awired data network, an unregulated wireless network, a regulatedwireless network, and a public switch telephone network, through whichcommunications may be operated according to embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a communications service architecturefor communicating via a VoIP and wireline telecommunications accordingto embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a network architecture wherein anunlicensed/unregulated wireless access point is integrated for VoIPcommunications through a broadband residential gateway according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are flow diagrams illustrating a method according toembodiments of the present invention for utilizing VoIP communicationsvia unlicensed/unregulated wireless connectivity through a wirelessaccess point according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a telecommunications architecture showing interactionbetween a wireline telecommunications system, a wirelesstelecommunication system, a broadband packet data network, and publicswitch telephone network according to embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are flow diagrams illustrating a method for calling awireless telecommunications device and a VoIP telecommunications devicevia a single telephone directory number according to embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are flow diagrams illustrating a method for operating adual mode telecommunications device according to embodiments of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and systemsfor operation of a digital cordless telephone (handset) via a voice overInternet protocol (VoIP) and data over Internet protocol through a wireddata network via an unregulated wireless network by access though one ormore wireless access points. In the following detailed description,references are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereofand in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments orexamples. These embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may beutilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from thespirit or scope of the present invention. The following detaileddescription is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense and thescope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims andtheir equivalents.

Referring now to the drawings in which like numerals represent likeelements through the several figures, aspects of the present inventionand the exemplary operating environment will be described. FIG. 1 is asimplified block diagram illustrating interaction between a wired datanetwork, an unlicensed/unregulated wireless network, alicensed/regulated wireless network and a public switch telephonenetwork, through which communications may be operated according toembodiments of the present invention. As described in further detailbelow, according to embodiments of the present invention, a digitalcordless telephone or handset 104 is operative to communicate via anunregulated/unlicensed wireless network 110 comprised of one or morelocally or geographically disbursed wireless access points through whicha user of the telephone 104 may communicate with voice and data servicesthrough VoIP via a wired data network 114. Communications from thetelephone 104 through the wired data network 114 via VoIP maysubsequently be communicated to other communications receivers through apublic switch telephone network 116 or through a regulated wirelessnetwork 112, such as a typical cellular telephone communications system.

A telephone services provider may position wireless access points inhomes, businesses, schools, leisure activity centers and the like. Auser of the digital cordless telephone 104 may operate the telephoneanytime the user is in range of the wireless access point of theunregulated wireless network 110. Thus, the user may send and receivecalls via the telephone 104 if the user is in her home, business,grocery store, school, and the like so long as her services provider haspositioned wireless access points in those facilities through which theuser may communicate VoIP communications through the wired data network114 to other communication sources. As will be described in detailbelow, the user may also send and receive non-voice data servicescommunications via the telephone 104 which may also comprise a computerimplemented for data and voice communications, or other computingdevices such as hand held computing devices, and personal digitalassistants (PDA).

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a conventionalwireless telephone handset 108 is provided for communications viawireless signaling 124 to a regulated wireless network 112.Communications through the regulated wireless network 112, such as aconventional cellular telephone network, may be passed through thepublic switch telephone network 116; a wired data network 114 andthrough to a user of the aforementioned digital cordless telephone 104through the unregulated wireless network 110. According to an embodimentof the present invention, a single shared telephone number may beassigned to both the digital cordless telephone 104 and the conventionalwireless telephone 108. Telephone calls placed to the single assignedtelephone directory number ring both the digital cordless telephone 104and the conventional wireless telephone 108 so that the user of bothtelephones may be reached by either telephone without the need forseparate telephone directory numbers and separate billing invoices.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a dual modetelephone 106 is provided for operating through both the unregulatedwireless network via wireless access points, described above, and foroperating via a regulated wireless network 112, as described above. Whenthe telephone handset 106 is moved into range of one or more wirelessaccess points to allow the telephone to communicate over the unregulatedwireless network 110, the telephone 106 transitions into the modepreviously described for the digital cordless telephone 104. On theother hand, when the telephone 106 is moved out of range of one or morewireless access points for communication through the unregulatedwireless network 110, the telephone 106 automatically transitions into aregulated wireless mode for communication through the regulated wirelessnetwork 112, as described above for the telephone 108. Advantageously, asingle telephone 106 may be utilized for both regulated wirelesscommunications and unregulated wireless communications through a wireddata network 114.

For purposes of the description that follows, communication to and fromany wireline or wireless telephones 104, 106, 108, 308 includes, but isnot limited to, telephone devices that may communicate via a variety ofconnectivity sources, including wireline, wireless, voice and data overInternet protocol, wireless fidelity (WiFi), ultra wide bandcommunications and satellite communications. A computer 107 isillustrated for digital data services via the unregulated wirelessnetwork 110 through the wired data network 114, as described above. Thecomputer 107 is also illustrative of other mobile digital devices(hereafter MDD) such as personal digital assistants (PDA), instantmessaging devices, voice and data over Internet protocol devices,communication watches or any device allowing digital and/or analogcommunication over a variety of connectivity means described herein.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a communications service architecturefor communicating via a voice over Internet protocol and wirelinetelecommunications according to embodiments of the present invention. Afirst architecture 200A is provided for a first service provider while asecond architecture 200B that mirrors the first service provider isprovided for a second service provider. A digital cordless phone 104 anda dual mode telephone 106 (FIG. 3) within the first architecture 200Aoperates in conjunction with a wireless access point 215 or broadbandresidential gateway (“BRG”) 206 over a wireless connection that isunlicensed and/or unregulated by the Federal Communications Commissionof the United States or a similar regulation body of other nations. Forexample, the FCC may regulate wireless connections by requiring thatspectrum be licensed for use by the party utilizing the spectrum.However, certain wireless connections may be unregulated in that thefrequencies of the connection may be used without license from theregulating body at any range. These frequencies that are used may beused without license from the regulating body so long as the range isbelow a particular threshold due to limitations on the transmittingpower, or for other similar reasons. Examples of such unregulatedwireless connectivity include the Institute of Electrical andElectronics Engineers (IEEE″) 802.11b standard and Bluetooth®.

The service provider may operate as a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN)operator when using the unregulated wireless connection between thedigital cordless handset 104 and wireless access point 215 or BRG 206. Asingle service provider may provide for both the wired data network andthe PLMN over the wireless connection, and may provide for additionalnetworks as well including a PSTN 116.

The wireless access point 215, which is used in conjunction with thedigital cordless phone 104 to form the wireless network, may be wired toa wired data network such as by having a wired connection between thewired access point 215 and a gateway. The gateway has a wired connectionback to the remainder of the wired data network. For example, thegateway may be a broadband digital subscriber line (DSL) or cable modem.As shown in FIG. 2, the wireless access point may be incorporated into aBRG 206 that is a single box of a residence 204, place of business, orother public and private locations and that incorporates the broadbandmodem as well as the wireless access point. The BRG 206 may alsoincorporate a router function so that broadband access may be providedto multiple wireless access points and/or multiple wired access points,which is discussed in more detail below with reference to FIG. 3.

The BRG 206 communicates with a first portion 208 of a wired networkthat includes various functions that provide for the voice and dataservices to the digital cordless handset 104. For example, the firstportion 208 may provide a home location register (HLR) 214 thatmaintains information for each subscriber to the voice and data servicesprovided to the digital cordless handsets 104. The information mayinclude identification information for the user that may be used toverify the legitimacy of an attempt to access the service and may alsostore an identification of the features applicable for each legitimateuser. A domain name server (DNS) 216 may be provided as well as otherstandard network servers to provide for Internet services tocommunications devices linked to the BRG 206 or wireless access point215.

The digital cordless handset 104 may contain a Subscriber IdentityModule (SIM) card that stores the identity of the user and the identityof the service provider of the user. Thus, when the user attempts toaccess voice and data services by using the digital cordless handset 104within range of a wireless access point 215 or BRG 206, theidentification information is obtained from the SIM card and may becompared to the information of the HLR 214 to determine whether topermit voice and data services to the handset 104 and to determine whatfeatures should be provided to the user of the handset 104.

The first portion 208 of the wired data network is also linked to asoftswitch 210 which connects to an application server 212. As is neededfor a particular situation, the softswitch 210 interconnects theapplication server 212 to the digital cordless handset 104 to providevarious features of the voice and data services as dictated by theinformation maintained by the HLR 214. For example, the user of thedigital cordless handset may subscribe to messaging and/or directoryservices that are provided from the application server 212. For example,voicemail may be maintained for the user on the application server 212.Furthermore, white pages and yellow pages directories may be accessibleby the cordless handset 104 from the application server 104.Additionally, as discussed below in relation to FIG. 3, restrictions onuse of the handset 104 may be defined and implemented by the applicationserver 212 to limit the amount of calls or time per call for particularusers such as children.

The first portion 208 of the wired data network is linked by a mediagateway 220 to downstream devices. The media gateway 220 exchanges voicecommunication with a gateway mobile switching center (GMSC) 222 whichexchanges the voice communication with the PSTN 116. This allows voicedtelephone calls to be established between the digital cordless handsetand telephones remotely located on the PSTN 116 through central offices(CO) 218. Likewise, the media gateway 220 exchanges data communicationswith a gateway general packet radio service (GPRS) service node (GGSN).The GGSN exchanges data communications with the remainder of the wireddata network 114, such as the global Internet. This allows datacommunications to occur between devices connected to the wireless accesspoint 215 or BRG 206 and the remainder of the wired data network 114.

The voice communications provided through the digital cordless handsetare of a format suitable for delivery over at least the first portion208 of the wired data network. An example of such a voice communicationprotocol is voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), The VoIP protocolallows for packetized transfer and routing of packets containing datarepresentative of voice. Thus, the digital cordless handset 104exchanges voice communication through the first portion 208 of the wireddata network and with the downstream media gateway 220 and subsequentdevices by exchanging VoIP packets to establish bi-directionalcommunication. The VoIP incoming and outgoing calls may be establishedby use of the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). The SIP may be storedon the SIM card so that the card may be moved from one handset 104 toanother or to a laptop or other computing device equipped with audiocapabilities to allow the user to be identified and place VoIP callsfrom the chosen device.

The data communications provided through the digital cordless handsetare also of a format suitable for delivery over the first portion 208 ofthe wired data network and through subsequent downstream data networkdevices. Accordingly, such data communications may also be packetizeddata transmissions that utilize a network routing scheme such asInternet Protocol (IP).

The VoIP and IP communications from the digital cordless handset 104 maybe further encapsulated in frames for the lower levels of acommunications protocol stack. Thus, for example, there may be Ethernetframes encoded within DSL frames between the BRG 206 or wireless accesspoint 215 and the wired data network portion 208. These Ethernet framesencoded within DSL frames carry the VoIP and IP packets and establishbi-directional communication between the digital cordless handset 104and at least the wired network portion 208.

To initially begin communications with a digital cordless handset 104,106, the handset 104, 106 must be registered as a communications devicewith the wireless access point 215 or BRG 206. Generally described, whena telephone 104, 106 enters the range of a wireless access point 215,the telephone 104, 106 detects the unlicensed connectivity source (e.g.802.11b, Bluetooth, and the like) and registers with the wired datanetwork via the wireless access point 215 to allow the telephone 104,106 to engage in digital communications over the wired data network 114.A mobility management function may be utilized for managing thetransition of the telephones 104, 106 onto the wired data network 114via the wireless access points 215 or the transition from the telephones104, 106 from a licensed spectrum network to the wired data network viaunlicensed spectrum via the wireless access points 215. The mobilitymanagement function may be a software module resident on the applicationserver 212, 240, or the mobility management function may reside on aseparate authentication, accounting and authorization (AAA) systemaccessible via the digital network portions 208, 236 for managing useraccess to the wired data network 114 described herein.

According to one example method of transitioning the telephone 104, 106onto the wired data network via the wireless access points, the digitalcordless handset 104, 106 may be provided with a medium access control(MAC) address that is broadcast from the handset 104 to the BRG 206 orwireless access point 215 over the unregulated wireless connection. Thedigital cordless handset 104 is then assigned an IP address that isassociated with the MAC address of the handset 104. This allowscommunications from the wired data network 208 destined for the IPaddress assigned to the handset 104 to be properly delivered to thehandset having the MAC address associated with the assigned IP address.According to another example method of transitioning the telephone 104,106 onto the wired data network via the wireless access points, aregistration and authentication process, such as Radius authentication,may be used where a user of the telephone 104, 106 is required toprovide a user name and password for access via the wireless accesspoints 215 to the wired data network 114. As should be understood, auser name and password may be stored in the telephone 104, 106 so thatthe user does not have to enter the user name and password each timeaccess is desired.

During use, the digital cordless handset 104 may move from an areaserviced by one wireless access point 215 to an area serviced by anotherwireless access point. For example, a user may be using the handset 104through the BRG 206 at home and then travel to a shopping center wherethe handset 104 operates through the wireless access point 215. Thistransition may be seamless by the use of conventional hand-offprocedures where the two areas are not separated by a dead zone lackingadequate signal. Thus, the wired data network portion 208 detects thepresence of the cordless handset 104 in one area as reported by thewireless access point for that area and then detects the presence of thecordless handset 104 in another area. As discussed above, this may bedone by a recognition of the MAC address being broadcast by the handsetdevice that is received upon the handset device entering a particulararea serviced by a wireless access point 215 or BRG 206. Thus, when thehandset 104 transitions from one area to the next, the new area receivesthe broadcast MAC address and the wired data network 208 receivesindication that the IP address assigned to the MAC address correspondsto the new wireless access point. The VoIP and IP communications withthe handset 104 may then continue in the new area by routing packetsaccordingly.

The transition may not always be continuous. For example, there may beinstances where the handset 104 travels from one service area to anotherwith a break in service between the two areas due to a dead zone wheresignal is not available. However, upon the handset 104 entering a newarea serviced by a BRG 206 or wireless access point 215, the handset 104is again detected according to a MAC address and the IP, and VoIPpackets for the handset 104 may then be exchanged with the new area.Regardless of whether the transition results in a break in service, thehandset 104 may operate among any or all of the wireless access points215 and/or BRGs 206 that are made available by the service provider forthe user.

The architecture 200B for the second service provider minors that of thearchitecture 200A for the service provider of the user. Accordingly, thedigital cordless handset 104 may be used within the architecture 200Bfor the second service provider as well as the first architecture 200A.Thus, the user of the digital cordless handset 104 may transition froman area covered by architecture 200A being serviced by the serviceprovider of the user to an area being covered by architecture 200B beingserviced by another service provider.

The architecture 200B contains an application server 240 for providingany enhanced services to subscribers and to guest users entering theservice area of architecture 200B. The application server 240 is linkedto a wired data network portion 236 through a softswitch 238. BRGs 234and wireless access points 217 are wired to the data network portion236. The data network portion 236 communicates with the downstream mediagateway 246 to transfer voice communications through the GMSC 250 to thePSTN 116 and to transfer data communications through the GGSN to theremainder of the wired data network 114. A CO 245 links conventionalPSTN phones of the area covered by architecture 200B to the PSTN 116.According to one embodiment, digital VoIP communication may be madedirectly from a telephone 104 and telephones 106, 304A, 304B (FIG. 3)from the data network portion 208 through the wired data network 114 andto the data network portion 236 to other digital telephones 104, 106,304A, 304B.

The wired data network portion 236 may also provide various other datanetwork servers to assist in providing the voice and data services tothe users and guest users of the architecture 200B. The DNS server 244may provide for Internet related services. The HLR 242 may provide forthe determination of the legitimacy and available features for thecordless handset users. However, for guest users who have transitionedfrom their home service provider's area to the area covered byarchitecture 200B of another service provider, then the HLR 242 may alsoprovide a Visitor Location Register (VLR) function. The VLR queries backto the home network of the guest user to determine the credentials ofand features available to the guest user by retrieval of informationfrom the HLR 214 of the guest user's home network. Accordingly, when theguest user enters the area covered by the second service provider, theidentity of the guest user may be obtained form the SIM card of thehandset 164 and verified by the VLR function prior to allowing voice anddata services to be provided.

A first wireless network architecture 252 is illustrated forcommunicating calls placed thought the regulated wireless network 112,described above with reference to FIG. 1. A second wireless networkarchitecture 264 is illustrated that mirrors the architecture 252 suchas would be provided by a different wireless communications servicesprovider from the services provider operating the network architecture252. Dual mode telephones 106, 266 are illustrated for wirelesscommunication through the wireless networks 252, 264 through a regulatedwireless network 112. It should be appreciated that the telephone 106,266 may also be in the form of conventional wireless telephone 108 forcommunication through the regulated wireless network 112 only. Awireless network architecture 252, 264 includes a base transceiverstation 256, 268, a base station controller 258, 274 and mobileswitching centers 260, 272 for communicating wireless transmissions fromthe telephone 106, 266 from the regulated wireless network 112 to thepublic switch telephone network 116 and the wired data network 114. Aserving general packet radio service node 262, 270 is also illustratedin the wireless network architecture 252, 264 for processing datacommunications from the telephones 106, 266 through the wireless network112 to the wired data network 114. It should be appreciated that thedual mode telephone 106 may operate through the wired data network 114via wireless access points in the manner described above for thetelephone 104

FIG. 3 illustrates a public or private place 316, such as a user'sresidence, or business in greater detail to illustrate the use of a BRG312 to provide voice and data services to digital cordless handsets104A, 104B and dual mode telephone 106, and also to additional devicessuch as wired VoIP phones 304A, 304B. The wired VoIP phones 304A and304B may be wired via a digital service line such as a DSL line whereeach phone may operate over a separate derived line operating through asingle DSL line. The cordless/wireless telephones 104, 106 may operatethrough the same line as the phones 304A, 304B via the BRG 312 viawireless access points 215 integrated with the BRG 312. In the instancewhere the BRG is linked to the wired data network over a telephonyconnection, a copper pair 315 interconnects a Network Interface Device(NID) to a CO. At the CO, the data packets including the IP and VoIP aredirected to the wired data network portion while any PSTN telephonesignals are directed from the plain old telephone service (POTS)telephone 308 of the user to the PSTN. An alternative is to utilize acable modem within the BRG 312 and the community access television(CATV) system is used to carry the data between the wired data networkand the BRG 312.

The BRG 312 of this example shown includes a DSL modem linking the BRG312 through the NID 314 to the CO over the copper pair 315. The BRG 312includes routing functionality to accommodate multiple devices to form alocal area network (LAN) for the location 316. The BRG includes awireless access point to communicate over the unregulated wirelessconnection to the digital cordless handsets 104A, 104B, dual modehandset 106, and a wireless equipped personal computer 107. The BRG 312also includes a wired access point to communicate over wired connectionsto VoIP phones 304A, 304B and personal computers 306A, 306B. The wiredconnection may be of various forms such as conventional Ethernet or overa home phoneline network alliance (“HPNA”) connection. As shown, thewired connection is an FIPNA connection over the copper pair telephoneline 310 of the location 316. The copper pair telephone line 310 carriesPOTS signals of the POTS phone 308 as well as the data signals of thepersonal computers 306A, 306B and the VoIP phones 304A, 304B. Each ofthe VoIP capable devices linked to the BRG 312 may be used to placetelephone calls. Furthermore, each VoIP capable device may have its owntelephone number so that multiple VoIP calls may occur to provide accessto or be accessed from the wired data network through the BRG 312.Alternatively or in addition, a call to one telephone number may causeeach of the VoIP phones to ring so that the call may be answered on anyone of the phones. Thus, the MAC address/IP address of each phone may beassociated with its own telephone number and/or a telephone numberapplicable to all phones of the location 316.

Each user of the location 312 may have his or her own SIM card to use inthe VoIP capable device. As discussed above, the identity of the user isdetermined by the wired data network from the information of the SIMcard, and any limitations on use for that individual may be applied.Thus, the application server of the wired data network may maintain arestrictions database where a parent may set forth restrictions on theuse of the VoIP communications of children of a household. Theserestrictions as well as other options for the voice and data servicesmay be set forth by the subscriber accessing the application serverthough a web interface provided to the personal computer 306A, 306B, or107.

Operation Via a Wired Data Network via Unlicensed Spectrum

FIGS. 4A and 4B show an illustrative set 400 of logical operations forestablishing voice and data services with a digital cordless handset104. The method of accessing voice and data services via the digitalcordless handset 104 described below is by way of example only and isnot restrictive of other methods for accessing the wired data networkvia the handset 104. Other general methods for accessing the wired datanetwork are described above. The logical operations begin at block 402where the digital cordless handset 104 enters a service area. Thewireless access point detects the handset device entering the wirelessnetwork from the MAC broadcast by the handset device. At block 404, theMAC address is obtained from the broadcast and an IP address is assignedto the handset having the MAC address. Depending upon the connectivityof the wireless access point to the wired data network, the IP addressmay be assigned at a local router or may be assigned at a remote routerof the wired data network.

Once the IP address is assigned such that IP packets may be exchangedwith the digital cordless handset, then the wired data network requeststhe SIM information from the handset over the IP connection at block406. At block 408, a look-up of the SIM information is performed in anetwork database such as an HLR in the wired data network. Adetermination is made at block 410 about whether the user identified bythe SIM information is a valid user based on the look-up in thedatabase. The SIM information may not be found, thereby indicating theuser is not a subscriber and should not be given access to the network.The connection with the handset is terminated at block 412 and theoperations end.

Alternatively, the SIM information may be found by the look-up. The SIMinformation may correspond to a subscriber of the current serviceprovider as noted by the SIM, or may correspond to a subscriber of otherservice providers as indicated by the SIM who is a guest user for thecurrent service provider. Once a valid user has been found based on thelook-up, the telephone number found from the look-up that is known forthe MAC or SIM information identifying the handset is stored in relationto the assigned IP address at block 414. Now, the telephone number ofthe device is associated with the IP address so that incoming andoutgoing calls can be effectively routed between the handset, the wireddata network, and any other networks that are involved such as the PSTN.

At block 416, a determination is made as to whether the handset 104 isplacing an outgoing call or whether there is an incoming call directedto the handset 104. When an incoming call is directed to the handset104, the call is received in the wired data network, such as through theGMSC from the PSTN. A look-up is performed within the wired data networkto determine the IP address that is associated with the called number atblock 418. Upon determining the proper IP address, a VoIP ring to thehandset 104 having the IP address is performed via a VoIP session atblock 420 to alert the user of the handset 104 that there is an incomingcall. The VoIP session may be initiated through operation of the SIPfunction that may be performed at the handset 104, or may also beprovided by the wireless access point or BRG that is in communicationwith the handset 104. VoIP packets are then routed between the handset104 and the wired data network at block 422 upon the user of the handset104 answering the incoming call. The logical operations then end atblock 423 once the call is finished.

When an outgoing call is being sent from the handset 104, a number beingcalled is received into the wired data network. The number is receivedover a VoIP session with the IP address of the handset 104, such as asession established through the SIP function, at block 424. Uponreceiving the dialed number at the wired data network, a request toconnect is provided to the relevant network for the called party atblock 426. For example, the number dialed may be a number reachablethrough the PSTN so that the GMSC linked to the wired data networkroutes the called number to the PSTN. This allows a connection to thedesired telephone line identified by the telephone number to beestablished.

While the called party's telephone line is ringing, a VoIP ring may betransferred back to the handset 104 to provide the user with anindication that the called party's phone is ringing at block 428. Then,VoIP communications are routed between the handset and the wired datanetwork at block 430 upon the called party answering the call from thehandset 104. The logical operations then end at block 432 once the callis finished.

Operation of Single Telephone-Number System

Referring now to FIG. 5, another embodiment of the invention will bedescribed. According to this embodiment of the invention, a singletelephone number is assigned to two or more handsets, each of which maybe operated in a different telecommunications network. For instance,according to one embodiment of the invention, a first handset isoperable for use with a unregulated wireless network, such as theunregulated wireless network 110. A second handset is operable for usewith a regulated wireless network, such as the network 112. When a callis initiated to the single telephone number, both the handset operablefor use with the unregulated wireless network 110 and the handsetoperable for use with the regulated wireless network 112 will be rung.Either handset may then be used to receive the incoming communication.Moreover, according to this embodiment of the invention, along with asingle telephone number, a single personal voice mailbox that can beaccessed from any of the handsets assigned to the single telephonenumber may be provided. A single bill for service for the singletelephone number may also be provided to a subscriber of the singletelephone number service.

According to other aspects of this embodiment of the invention, a singletelephone number may be assigned to a wired handset, such as the handset304, connected to a VoIP network. The handset 304 may be assigned anidentical telephone number to a handset 106 or 108 operative for usewith a regulated wireless network 112. When a user is in a home 204,called party identification and/or distinctive ringing may be associatedwith incoming calls on the handset 304 and incoming calls may beanswered on any VoIP enabled handset in the home 204.

As discussed above, the handset 104, 106, 108 and the handset 304 arerung in a substantially simultaneous manner when an incoming call isreceived, such as from the handset 308A. When a user is in the home 204,outgoing calls may be made on the assigned telephone number from anyhandset in the home 204. Users are able to select the personal telephonenumber for outgoing calls via means provided by the handset 304.Moreover, users of the single number service can administer the servicevia a web browser equipped personal computer. In multi-user households,a user can administer which VoIP line rings on which VoIP phones.Additionally, other services may be provided. For instance, a parent maybe able to place limits, such as the time of day and day of week and/ornumber of minutes, on a child's use of their personal telephone number,including both wireless access provided through the regulated wirelessnetwork 112 and wireline access provided through the unregulatedwireless network 110.

Turning now to FIG. 5, additional details regarding the embodiment ofthe invention wherein a single telephone number is assigned for use witha plurality of handsets will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, theunregulated wireless network 110 may include one or more digitalcordless telephones 104 for use with a wireless access point 512 and abroadband residential gateway 206. As discussed above, VoIP technologyis utilized to send and receive telephone calls on the digital cordlessphone 104 through the packet switched network 236. As also discussedabove, a softswitch 238 may be utilized to provide various services to auser of the digital cordless phone 104. For instance, a voicemailservice may be provided through the softswitch 238. Additionally, one ormore wired handsets 304 are also connected to the BRG 206. Voice anddata services may also be utilized through the wired handsets 304 in amanner similar to that provided through the digital cordless phone 104.

As also shown in FIG. 5, the unregulated wireless network 110 may beconfigured for interoperability with the regulated wireless network 112.In particular, according to one embodiment of the invention, asubscriber may be provided one or more digital cordless phones 104 andone or more wired handsets 304 for use with the network 110. The samesubscriber may also be provided a handset 106, 108 operable for use withthe regulated wireless network 112. For instance, a subscriber may beprovided a cordless handset 104 for use with the access point 512 whenin the home 204 and a handset 106, 108 for use with the regulatedwireless network 112 when outside the home. In this embodiment of theinvention, a single telephone number 514 may be assigned to the digitalcordless phone 104 and the handset 106. When a communication is receivedthat is directed toward the single telephone number 514, a ring tone isgenerated at the digital cordless phone 104 and at the handset 106. Thering tone may be generated substantially simultaneously at the digitalcordless phone 104 and the handset 106.

According to other embodiments of the invention, a single telephonenumber may be assigned to both a handset 106, 108, 308A configured forwired use with the PSTN 116 and the digital cordless phone 104. As inthe embodiments described above, a single telephone number 514 may beassigned to the handset 106, 108, 308A and the digital cordless phone104. When an incoming call is directed toward the single telephonenumber 514, the handset 308A and the digital cordless phone 104 may berung simultaneously.

In order to provide the functionality described herein for utilizing asingle telephone number with multiple handsets, an interface is providedbetween the networks 110 and 112 and the PSTN 116. In particular, themedia gateway 246 interfaces with a signal transfer point (STP) 24 via acommunication link. The communication link may employ, for example, thesignaling system 7 (SS7) switching protocol. The STP 24 may be amulti-port high speed packet switch that is programmed to respond to therouting information in the appropriate layer of the switching protocoland to route the data packets to their intended destinations. The MSC272 of the network 112 may also similarly be connected to the STP 504via a communication link.

One of the intended destinations of the data packets from the STP 504 isa service control point (SCP) 506. The STP 504 is in communication withthe SCP 506 via a communication link, which may also employ the SS7switching protocol. The SCP 506 may comprise an intelligent databaseserver such as, for example, an intelligent network service controlpoint available from LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC., Murray Hill, N.J., andmay have associated with it a network database for storing network data.The intelligent functionality of the SCP 506 may be realized byapplication programs, such as programmable service program applications(SPA), which are executed by the SCP 506. In addition, another of thefunctions of the SCP 506 is the hosting of a network database, which maystore subscriber information, such as subscriber call managementprofiles used in providing enhanced calling services such as the singlenumber telephone service of the present invention.

A typical local exchange carrier (LEC) also includes a number of centraloffices 245 for interconnecting customer premises terminating equipmentwith the PSTN 116, such as the handsets 308A-308B. The central office245 may include one or more service switching point (SSP) switches. EachSSP switch has a number of subscriber lines connected thereto. Thesubscriber lines may be, for example, conventional twisted paired loopcircuits connected between the switches and the telephone drops for thecustomer premises. Subscriber lines may also comprise trunk circuits,such as T1 trunk circuits. Typically, the number of subscriber linesconnected to each switch is on the order of 10,000 to 100,000 lines.Each of the subscriber lines is connected to a terminating piece ofcustomer premises equipment, represented in FIG. 5 by the handsets308A-308B. Alternatively, the terminating equipment may be other typesof telecommunications units such as, for example, a telecopier, apersonal computer, a modem, or a private branch exchange (PBX) switchingsystem.

The features of the PSTN 116 illustrated in FIG. 5 include a servicesnode (SN) 508. The SN 508 may be, for example, a compact services nodeavailable from LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES, although the SN 508 may be any othertype of available AIN-compliant SN. The SN 508 may be connected to oneor more of the SSP switches via a communications link which may be, forexample, an integrated service digital network (ISDN) connection,including basic rate interface or primary rate interface lines.According to other embodiments, the communications link may be, forexample, a T1 trunk circuit. The SN 508 may be used primarily when someenhanced feature or service is needed that requires an audio connectionto the call such as, for example, the call return and calling nameservices. Similar to the SCP 506, the intelligent functionality of theSN 508 may be realized by programmable applications executable by the SN508.

In order to keep the processing of data and calls as simple as possibleat the switches, such as the SSP switches contained in the centraloffice 245, a set of triggers may be defined at the SSP switches foreach call. A trigger is an event associated with a particular subscriberline that generates a query that is sent from the SSP switch servicingthe particular subscriber line to the SCP 506 via the STP 504. Thetriggers may be originating triggers for calls originating from thesubscriber premises or termination triggers for calls terminating at thesubscriber premises. The trigger causes a message in the form of a queryto be sent from the SSP switch to the SCP 506.

In response to receiving such a query, the SCP 506 in turns interrogatesthe network database stored at the SCP 506 to determine whether somecustomized call feature or enhanced service should be implemented forthe particular call or whether conventional dialup telephone serviceshould be provided. The results of the database inquiry are sent backfro the SCP 506 to the SSP switch via the STP 504. The return packetincludes instruction to the SSP switch as to how to process the call.The instructions may be to take some special action as a result of acustomized calling service or enhanced feature. For example, for anenhanced calling feature requiring the capabilities of the SN 508, thereturn message from the SCP 506 may include instructions for the SSPswitch to route the call to the SN 508. In addition, the return messagefrom the SCP 506 may simply be an indication that there is no entry inthe database that indicates anything other than conventional telephoneservice should be provided for the call. The query and return messagesmay be formatted, for example, according to conventional SS7 transactioncapabilities application part formats. U.S. Pat. No. 5,438,568, which ishereby expressly incorporated by reference, discloses additional detailsregarding the functioning of an advanced intelligent network.

As will be discussed in greater detail below, a single telephone numbermay be assigned to multiple handsets utilized in conjunction with thePSTN 116, the unregulated wireless network 110, and the regulatedwireless network 112. When a call is received and directed to a singletelephone number, a termination attempt trigger is generated at thecentral office 245. In response thereto, a message is transmitted to theSCP 506 requesting further instructions on the handling of the incomingcommunication. Based on the content of the database stored at the SCP506, the incoming communication is routed to the SN 508.

Once the call has been routed to the SN 508, an application programexecuting at the SN 508 initiates outgoing telephone calls to each ofthe handsets to which the single telephone number has been assigned. Forinstance, the SN 508 may initiate an outgoing communication to thedigital cordless phone 104 and simultaneously initiate an outgoingcommunication to the handset 108. Similarly, if the single telephonenumber has been assigned to a traditional wired handset 308A connectedto the PSTN 116 and a digital cordless phone 104 operative for use withthe network 110, the SN 508 is operative to simultaneously initiate anoutgoing communication to the handset 308A and the digital cordlessphone 104 in response to the receipt of an incoming communication.

The SN 508 is further operative to determine whether the outgoingcommunications have been answered at either handset to which thecommunication was directed. If no answer is received at either of thehandsets within a predetermined period of time, the SN 508 is operativeto route the incoming communication to the softswitch 238 wherein avoicemail service may be provided. However, if the outgoingcommunication is answered at either the digital cordless phone 104 orthe handset 108, the SN 508 is operative to route the incomingcommunication to the handset on which the call was received. Theoutgoing communication initiated by the SN 508 to the handset that wasnot utilized to answer the telephone call is then dropped. It should beappreciated that the single telephone number service as described hereinis described in the context of utilizing a single number with twohandsets. However, using the methods described herein, the single numberservice may be extended to any number of additional handsets. Additionaldetails regarding the operation of the single telephone number servicewill be provided below with respect to FIGS. 6A-6B.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are flow diagrams illustrating a method for calling awireless telecommunications device and a VoIP telecommunications devicevia a single telephone directory number according to embodiments of thepresent invention. Turning now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, an illustrativeprocess flow for implementing a single telephone number service invarious embodiments of the invention will be described. FIGS. 6A and 6Bare described herein with reference to the PSTN 116, and the networks110 and 112, shown and described above with respect to FIG. 5. Inaddition, the process illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B is described withreference to a subscriber utilizing the single number calling servicewith respect to a digital cordless phone 104 and a handset 108 that havebeen assigned the same phone number 514. It should be appreciated,however, that the single number service may be utilized with the digitalcordless phone 104 and a wired telephone handset, such as the handsets308A-308B.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the routine 600 begins at block 602where a calling party places a call to the called party that is asubscriber to the single number telephone service. In order to initiatesuch a call, the calling party may utilize a handset, such as thehandset 308A, to place a telephone call to the single telephone number514 that has been assigned to the subscriber's handsets. The routine 600then continues from block 602 to block 604, where a termination attemptis made at the subscriber's number. In response to the terminationattempt being made, the CO switch 245 sends a query message to the SEP506.

From block 604, the routine 600 continues to block 606, where the SCP506 transmits a message to the CO 245 instructing the CO 245 to transmitthe incoming communication to the SN 508. In response to the message,the CO 245 transfers the incoming communication from the handset 308A tothe SN 508 for further processing. When the communication is received atthe SN 508, the SN 508 places a first outgoing call to the subscriber'sdigital cordless phone 104. Substantially simultaneously thereto, the SN508 places a second outgoing call to the subscriber's handset 108. Itshould be appreciated that, in order to account for delays in theprocessing of calls through a wireless network, the call to the handset108 may be placed by the SN 508 prior to initiating the outgoing call tothe digital cordless phone 104.

From block 610, the routine 600 continues to block 612, where the SN 508makes a determination as to whether the subscriber's digital cordlessphone 104 has been answered before the handset 108 has been answered. Ifthe digital cordless phone 104 is answered prior to the answering of thehandset 108, the routine 600 branches to block 614. Otherwise, theroutine 600 continues to block 602, where a determination is made as towhether the handset 108 is answered by the subscriber or other userprior to answering the digital cordless phone 104. If the handset 108 isanswered prior to the digital cordless phone 104, the routine 600branches to block 622. Otherwise, the routine 600 continues to block628, where both outgoing communications initiated by the SN 508 aredropped. It should be appreciated that a predetermined period of timemay elapse prior to dropping the outgoing communications initiated bythe SN 508. In addition, it should be appreciated that the incomingcommunication from the handset 308A may be routed by the SN 508 to asoftswitch 238 for the delivery of voice mail services.

At block 614, the SN 508 connects the calling party to the digitalcordless phone 104. The routine 600 then continues to block 616, wherethe SN 508 drops the outgoing call that was placed to the handset 108.Once the outgoing call placed to the handset 108 has been dropped, theSN 508 transfers the completed call to the CO 245. This occurs at block618.

At block 622, the SN 508 connects the calling party to the handset 108.The routine 600 then continues to block 625, where the SN 508 drops theoutgoing communication that was placed to the digital cordless phone104. The routine 600 then continues to block 626 where the SN 508transfers the completed call to the CO 245 for further processing. Fromblocks 618, 628, and 626, the routine 600 continues to block 630, whereit ends.

Operation of Dual Mode Telephone

Another embodiment of the present invention provides integrated digitalvoice and data service that includes a seamless integration of wireless(mobile) access using licensed spectrum and cordless wired access usingunlicensed spectrum via a dual mode telephone 106. The dual modetelephone 106 functions as a wireless phone operating over licensedwireless spectrum via a regulated wireless network 112 when a user isoutside of buildings and as a digital cordless phone operating overunlicensed spectrum via the unregulated wireless network 110 with awireless access point in conjunction with VoIP digital voice technologywhen a user is inside buildings, such as the user's home. In oneembodiment, the dual mode telephone 106 operates as a GSM/GPRS handsetwhen the user is outside and as an IEEE 802.11b handset when the user isinside buildings equipped with a wireless access point. According tothis embodiment, the handset telephone 106 includes Session InitiationProtocol (SIP) software and includes a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)card. The SIM card will be used to identify the user and the user'sservice provider.

Referring back to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 the dual mode telephone 106functions as a GSM/GPRS handset operating over licensed spectrum whenthe user is outside. When the user goes inside a building that isequipped with an 802.11b wireless access point or other wireless access,such as Bluetooth®, the telephone 106 functions as a cordless phoneoperating over unlicensed spectrum with the wireless access point (WAP)in conjunction with VoIP digital voice technology as described in detailwith reference to FIGS. 2, 3. The 802.11b wireless access points inbuildings are connected to the telecommunications service provider'sbroadband packet data network. When a user is inside a residence orother WAP equipped facility, an exemplary implementation is for the801.11b wireless access point to be integrated into a BroadbandResidential Gateway (BRG) 312 as described above. As described above,the dual mode telephone 106 may be equipped with a SIM card that will beused to identify the user and the user's service Provider. The user willbe able to use the dual mode telephone 106 to “roam” within a serviceprovider's network and to “roam” into other service providers' wirelessaccess and wired access networks. That is, a user may operated the dualmode telephone 106 via any wireless access point of her service provideror via wireless access points of other service providers.

The voice and data functionality of the dual mode telephone 106,including the SIP software and SIM card, may be available to users inthe form of a plug-in card that users can install in their laptopcomputers 107 or in Personal Data Assistants (PDAs). When equipped withthe plug-in card, users will be able to use their laptop computer 107 orPDA, when equipped with an earpiece and microphone, to access the samevoice and data services that they can access with a dual mode telephone107.

When the dual mode telephone 106 is operating in the cordless wiredaccess mode in conjunction with an 802.11b wireless access point,digital voice calls are placed and received using the SIP softwarecontained in the telephone. Data services, such as directories andmessaging services, may execute on applications servers 212 in a serviceprovider's broadband packet data service network 114 as described forthe telephone 104 above.

When the dual mode handset is operating in the wireless (mobile) modevia the regulated wireless network 112, it may operate as a GSMJGPRStelephone. GSM protocols may be used to place and receive voice calls.GPRS protocols may be used to access the same data services that areaccessible when the dual mode telephone 106 is operating in the cordlesswired access mode.

According to embodiments of the invention, each dual mode telephone 106has a single telephone number that is used for both wireless (mobile)access and cordless wired access. When a user is engaged in a calloutside their home/building using their dual mode handset and enterstheir home/building, the call may be automatically changed from thewireless mode to the digital cordless wired mode as described fortelephone 104. When a user is engaged in a call inside theirhome/building using their dual mode telephone 106 and goes outside theirhome/building, the call may be automatically changed from the cordlesswired access mode to the wireless mode.

The dual mode telephone 106 supports multiple users per household orother building or facility wherein each user may have a unique personalphone number and their own dual mode telephone 106. The user canadminister the functionality of the telephone 106 via a web browserequipped personal computer. For example, a parent may put limits, suchas time of day and day of week and/or number of minutes of use on eachchild's use of their personal telephone number/dual mode telephone 106.When a user is in their home, incoming calls to the user may be answeredon their dual mode telephone 106 or any IP phone in the home. Calledparty identification may be associated with incoming calls bydistinctive ringing and/or call announcement to distinguish to whom inthe home or building the incoming call is directed.

When a user is in their home or business, outgoing calls may be made ontheir dual mode telephone 106 or any IP phone in the home. On IP phones,users may select their personal line for outgoing calls. The dual modetelephone handset 106 allows digital access to on-line directories viathe wired data network 114, and the directories may include personal andbusiness information. A user can administer and edit the on-linedirectories using their dual mode telephone 106 or a web browserequipped personal computer or PDA.

The dual mode telephone includes personalized voice mail, and the usermay access their mailbox using their dual mode telephone 106 or any IPphone in their home. Advantageously, user experience associated withaccessing and using voice and data services when operating the dual modetelephone 106 in either the wireless (mobile) access mode or thecordless wired access mode will be the same.

Having described a system architecture and operating environment for thedual mode telephone 106 described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and3, FIGS. 7A and 7B are flow diagrams illustrating an example operationof the dual mode telephone 106 according to embodiments of the presentof invention. The method of accessing voice and data services via thedual mode handset 106 described below is by way of example only and isnot restrictive of other methods for accessing the wired data networkvia the dual mode handset 106. Other general methods for accessing thewired data network are described above. The operation 700 begins atblock 702 where a user operates the dual mode telephone 106 device viathe regulated wireless network 112 and engages in an in-progresstelephone call. As should be appreciated, the telephone call may beoperated through any suitable regulated wireless network 112 including aglobal system for mobile communications (GSM)/general packet radioservice (GPRS) wireless communications environment. At block 704, theuser engaged in an in-progress telephone, as described above, enter anarea equipped for unregulated/unlicensed wireless connectivity. Asdescribed above, the user may have entered into her home, a business, aschool, a leisure activity center, and the like that has been equippedwith wireless access points for allowing communications over anunregulated wireless network 110 through a wire data network via voiceover Internet protocol communication. According to an embodiment of thepresent invention, the dual mode telephone 106 contains hard-wired orsoftware instructions sufficient to detect the availability of thealternate connectivity source in the form of the unregulated wirelessnetwork 110 via the wireless access points. That is, signaling detectedby the telephone 106 from the unregulated wireless network 110 allowsthe telephone 106 to know that the unregulated wireless network 112 isavailable for use by the telephone 106.

At block 706, the wireless access point detects the handset deviceentering the wireless network from the MAC broadcast by the handsetdevice. At block 708, the MAC address is obtained from the broadcast andan IP address is assigned to the handset having the MAC address.Depending upon the connectivity of the wireless access point to thewired data network, the IP address may be assigned at a local router ormay be assigned at a remote router of the wired data network.

Once the IP address is assigned such that IP packets may be exchangedwith the digital cordless handset, then the wired data network requeststhe SIM information from the handset over the IP connection at block710. At block 712, a look-up of the SIM information is performed in anetwork database such as an HLR in the wired data network. Adetermination is made about whether the user identified by the SIMinformation is a valid user based on the look-up in the database. TheSIM information may not be located which indicates the user is not asubscriber and should not be given access to the network. If the user isnot validated, as described, the connection with the handset isterminated at block 412 and the operations end.

Alternatively, the SIM information may be found by the look-up. The SIMinformation may correspond to a subscriber of the current serviceprovider as noted by the SIM, or may correspond to a subscriber of otherservice providers as indicated by the SIM who is a guest user for thecurrent service provider. Once a valid user has been found based on thelook-up, the telephone number found from the look-up that is known forthe MAC or SIM information identifying the handset is stored in relationto the assigned LP address.

At block 714, FIG. 7B, the in-progress call automatically switches fromthe mobile wireless mode via the regulated wireless network 112 to thecordless wired mode through the wireless access points into theunregulated wireless network 110 for voice over Internet protocolcommunications through the wired data network 114. At block 716, theuser may now complete the in-progress calk and send and receivesubsequent calls via the cordless wired mode through the unregulatedwireless network 110. Advantageously, if the building in which the useris operating receives poor transmission quality to and from theregulated wireless network 112, the user receives a better callingexperience once the dual mode telephone 106 is transitioned from themobile wireless mode to the cordless wired mode, as described below.

At block 718, the user may now utilize a wide range of Internetprotocol-based services owing to the availability of data servicesavailable through the transmission over an Internet protocol through thewired data network 114. For example, as described above, the user mayutilize web-based user administration for administering the user's callservices. The user may obtain and utilize a variety on-line servicessuch as on-line telephone directories and personalized voice mail. Theuser may also utilize other electronic devices besides the telephone106, such as the computer 107, which is illustrative of a laptopcomputer, a desktop computer, a personal digital assistant, or othercomputing device where the user may obtain digital services via theunregulated wireless network 110 or the user may obtain voice overInternet protocol voice services by equipping the computing device 107with an earpiece and microphone to access the same voice and dataservices that the user may access the dual mode telephone 106.

At block 720, according to an embodiment of the present invention, theuser exits from the unregulated wireless network 110 whereby the userremoves the dual mode telephone 106 from the range of a wireless accesspoint allowing access to the unregulated wireless network 110. Forexample, the user may exit from her home, a business, or other structurehaving wireless access points for communications with the unregulatedwireless network 110. At block 722, the dual mode telephone 106 detectsthe loss of the unregulated wireless network connectivity. At block 724,the dual mode telephone 106 detects the availability of connectivitythrough the regulated wireless network 112. Accordingly, any in-progresscommunications by the user through the cordless wired mode via theunregulated wireless network 110 are switched automatically to a mobilewireless mode via the regulated wireless network 112.

At block 726, the dual mode telephone 106 is registered with theregulated wireless connectivity network 112 by registering its presencein the network via a home location register (HLR) of the regulatedwireless network 112. At block 728, a determination is made as towhether the dual mode telephone 106 reenters the operating range of theunregulated wireless network 110 such as the case where the telephone106 is carried by a user into a home, public or other private structurehaving wireless access points for communication between the dual modetelephone 106 and the wired data network via the unregulated wirelessnetwork 110. If not, the method ends at block 730. If the telephone 106has re-entered the operating area of the unregulated wireless network110, operation proceeds back to block 706 for connectivity of the dualmode telephone 106 via the unregulated wireless network 110, asdescribed above.

As described herein, methods and systems are provided for operation of adigital cordless telephone via voice over Internet protocol and dataover Internet protocol through a wired data network through anunregulated wireless network by access through one or more wirelessaccess points. Methods and systems are also provided for utilizing asingle telephone directory number for a digital cordless telephone andfor a separate mobile wireless telephone for providing ease of usebetween the separate telephone devices and for providing more simple andcommon customer billing. Also provided are methods and systems forutilizing a dual mode telephone for operation via regulated wirelessnetwork and for operating via an unregulated wireless network foroperation through a wired data network.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications or variations may be made in the present invention withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other embodimentsof the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromconsideration of the specification and practice of the inventiondisclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device, comprising: a memory to storeinstructions; and a processor, coupled to the memory, that facilitatesexecution of the instructions to perform operations, comprising: routingvoice data associated with a voice service between a network device of awired data network and a wireless access point device; facilitatingaccess to the network device of the wired data network via a wirelessconnection of the wireless access point device; and in response toreceiving an incoming call directed to a phone number that is common toa cordless handset device and another handset device, directing theincoming call to be sent to the cordless handset device communicativelycoupled to the wireless access point device via the wireless connection.2. The device of claim 1, wherein the directing of the incoming callcomprises directing the incoming call to be sent according to a callprocessing rule associated with the cordless handset device.
 3. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the directing of the incoming call comprisesdirecting the incoming call to be sent substantially simultaneously withthe incoming call being sent to the other handset device by a servicenode device.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the operations furthercomprise: in response to detecting that the cordless handset device hasentered a wireless network of the wireless access point device,assigning a network address to the cordless handset device; and sendingthe network address and a device identifier of the cordless handsetdevice to a service provider device on the wired data network.
 5. Thedevice of claim 3, wherein the operations further comprise: in responseto a determination that the cordless handset device has connected to theincoming call, directing an instruction to be sent to the service nodedevice, wherein the instruction instructs the service node device to endthe directing of the incoming call to the other handset device.
 6. Thedevice of claim 3, wherein the operations further comprise, in responseto receipt of a notification from the wired data network that theincoming call has been answered by the other handset device, ending thedirecting of the incoming call to the cordless handset device.
 7. Thedevice of claim 4, wherein the operations further comprise: in responseto the detecting that the cordless handset device has entered thewireless network of the wireless access point device, directinginstruction data to the cordless handset device instructing the cordlesshandset device to switch a phone call in process from communicating viacellular devices of a cellular telephone network to communicating viathe network device of the wired data network.
 8. The device of claim 1,wherein the operations further comprise routing the voice data tomultiple wireless access point devices including the wireless accesspoint device.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the operations furthercomprise: accessing an application server of the wired data network todetermine a restriction rule defined on the application server forcordless handset device; and implementing a usage restriction for thecordless handset device, wherein the usage restriction is defined by therestriction rule.
 10. A method, comprising: communicating, by a gatewaydevice comprising a processor, voice service data between a networkdevice of a wired data network and a wireless access point device;facilitating, by the gateway device, access to the network device of thewired data network via a wireless network of the wireless access pointdevice; and sending, by the gateway device, an incoming call to acordless handset device communicatively coupled to the wireless accesspoint via the wireless network, wherein the incoming call is directed toa phone number that is shared by the cordless handset device and anotherhandset device.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the sendingcomprises sending the incoming call to the cordless handset devicesubstantially simultaneously with sending, by a service node device, theincoming call to the other handset device.
 12. The method of claim 10,further comprising: assigning, by the gateway device, a network addressto the cordless handset device in response to a determination that thecordless handset device has entered the wireless network of the wirelessaccess point device; and sending, by the gateway device, the networkaddress and a device identifier of the coreless handset device to aservice provider device of the wired data network.
 13. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising ceasing, by the gateway device, the sendingof the incoming call to the cordless handset device in response to adetermination that the other handset device has connected to theincoming call.
 14. The method of claim 11, further comprising sending,by the gateway device, an instruction to the service node device tocease the sending of the incoming call to the other handset device inresponse to a determination that the cordless handset device hasconnected to the incoming call.
 15. The method of claim 12, furthercomprising: in response to the determination that the cordless handsetdevice has entered the wireless network of the wireless access pointdevice, sending, by the gateway device, instruction data instructing thecordless handset device to switch a phone call that is in progress fromcommunication via a cellular telephone network to communication via thenetwork device of the wired data network and the wireless access pointdevice.
 16. The method of claim 10, further comprising routing, by thegateway device, the voice service data to multiple wireless access pointdevices, including the wireless access point device, communicativelyconnected to the gateway device.
 17. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising enforcing, by the gateway device, a restriction on voicecommunication via the cordless handset device based on a restrictionrule associated with the cordless handset device and stored on anapplication server of the wired data network.
 18. A computer-readablestorage device having computer-executable instructions stored thereonthat, in response to execution, cause a device comprising a processor toperform operations, comprising: routing data relating to a voice serviceand received from a network device of a wired data network to a wirelessaccess point device; interfacing a cordless handset device to thenetwork device of the wired data network via a wireless connection ofthe wireless access point device; and in response to receipt of anincoming call directed to a phone number that is shared by the cordlesshandset device and another handset device, initiating sending ofnotification data to notify the cordless handset device of the incomingcall.
 19. The computer-readable storage device of claim 18, wherein theoperations further comprise: assigning a network address to the cordlesshandset device in response to detecting that the cordless handset devicehas entered a range of a wireless network of the wireless access pointdevice; and sending the network address and a device identifier of thecordless handset device to the network device of the wired data networkfor storage by a service provider device.
 20. The computer-readablestorage device of claim 18, wherein the operations further compriseceasing the sending the notification data in response to a notificationfrom a service node device that the other handset device has connectedto the incoming call.